The Class of 2019 Presents: Hairspray Jr.

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The Class of 2019 Presents: Hairspray Jr.

Emily "EJ" Jonas

Thursday, May 9, 2019

The Class of 2019 is preparing for their final dramatic presentation at Burgundy, the 8th grade musical, with their production of Hairspray Jr. by Thomas Meehan, Mark O’Donnell, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman. The Class of 2019 includes dancers, singers, advocates, and activists. Hairspray Jr. is a musical that showcases all of these interests and talents with catchy songs, large group dances, and an inspiring message for change! With this production, the 8th grade class speaks out for what is right, just, and good in our world.

Welcome to the '60s! Hairspray Jr. follows Tracy Turnblad, a day-dreaming, fun-loving, and heartwarming high school student with an infectious smile and killer dance moves! Tracy dreams of dancing on television’s Corny Collins Show of Baltimore, ratting her hair like First Lady Jackie Kennedy, and fighting for equality for all. (“I’m all for integration. It’s the new frontier!”) She is not what society thinks of as a “typical” television star, but she goes after what she wants and, with the help of her friends, stands up to injustice, ignorance, and inequality!

This musical challenges and exaggerates multiple themes within society, with the goal of helping audiences understand the importance of art as a mirror for ourselves. Set in the 1960s, Hairspray Jr. takes on issues of segregation and integration, the complexities of body shaming and positivity, gender roles, and the racial discrimination and protest marches of this time period. Here at Burgundy, we approach these issues with care, and hope for the audience to take away a message of inclusion for all.

As our philosophy of education so thoughtfully states, “At Burgundy, we treat children with respect. We recognize that each child is different, and we strive to make each one feel that this difference is an asset. Students learn that communities are strengthened by diversity, and that appreciating differences is vital to creating a just, peaceful world.” With Hairspray Jr., the Class of 2019 brings this mission to life in a spectacular and dramatic interpretation of this profound message.

The 8th grade has been dancing, dancing, and dancing away! Their excitement, talents, energy, and ability to ask critical questions have made show preparation unlike any other. We hope to see you in the Logan Loft for one or more of the following show dates:

Thursday, May 16 at 4:30pm

Friday, May 17 at 7:00pm (student-led "Talk Back" to follow the show)

Saturday, May 18 at 7:00pm

Tickets prices are $1 for students and $5 for adults, and can be purchased here. We look forward to seeing you there, and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes for the continued fight for equality!

Burgundy is a one-of-a-kind independent school for students age 4 through grade 8. We believe children learn best in an inclusive, creative, and nurturing environment that engages the whole child.